Cardiolog shares 5 most unhealthy breakfast foods | Food-wine News

Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day, setting the tone for your energy levels and metabolism. However, not all breakfast choices are created equal—some can be particularly detrimental to your heart health.
Many popular breakfast items may seem convenient or indulgent, but they can have serious implications for cardiovascular health when consumed regularly.
According to Dr Mukesh Goel, Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic and Heart and Lung Transplant Surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, certain foods commonly enjoyed in the morning can contribute to the development of heart disease, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions.
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Below are 5 of the worst breakfast options for heart health, according to Dr Goel:
1. High-Sugar Breakfast Cereals: These cereals may be convenient, but they are loaded with sugar, leading to rapid spikes in blood glucose levels. This can contribute to insulin resance, inflammation, and an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes—both of which are significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
2. Processed Meat Products: Items like bacon and sausages are high in saturated fats and sodium. Regular consumption of processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease and hypertension in epidemiological studies, according to Dr Goel. The nitrates and nitrites in these products can also contribute to endothelial dysfunction, further increasing cardiovascular risk.
Regular consumption of processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease (Source: Freepik)
3. Pastries and Doughnuts: These popular breakfast treats are high in trans fats and refined carbohydrates. Trans fats raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol, negatively affecting lipid profiles. The high glycemic load of these foods can also contribute to insulin resance and, over time, cardiovascular problems.Story continues below this ad
4. Full-Fat Cream Cheese: While it may be a tasty spread, full-fat cream cheese is rich in saturated fats, which can elevate LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis—a major contributor to heart disease.
5. Artificial, Flavoured Non-Dairy Creamers: These creamers often contain partially hydrogenated oils, a source of trans fats. Regular consumption can worsen lipid profiles and elevate the risk of heart disease.
For a heart-healthy start to your day, it’s essential to choose breakfast options that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars, Dr Goel said.